Black Shag - Kawau

The largest shag in New Zealand waters. Found on rivers lakes and coastal waters throughout New Zealand. Seen in the past as a competitor with fisherman for commercial fish species. Builds nests on coastal cliffs and in macrocarpara trees.

Occasionally seen around Armers Beach Lagoon (Kaikoura Peninsula) or resting on rocks around Kaikoura Peninsula. Shags feathers are designed to absorb water (unlike the feathers of many other seabirds which repel water) to make the birds negatively buoyant. Birds can be seen sitting on rocks with their wings spread out drying their feathers. Black shags are rarely seen offshore.

Pied Shag - Karuhiruhi

Almost as large as the black shag. Distinctively coloured, large black and white coloured seabird. Pied shags have a large and distinctive hooked beak. Breeds throughout New Zealand with colonies in macrocarpa and pohutakawa trees being a distinctive feature of Northern New Zealand’s coastal environment. Like the black shag, pied shags were persecuted by fisherman being seen as being competitors for fish with fisherman.

Nowadays the pied shag is a protected species and the species is increasing dramatically in numbers in New Zealand's coastal waters. Feeds on coastal fish such as mullet and flounders and also paddle crabs. Pied shags dive below the surface to feed, diving down to depths of 20 metres.

Pied Shags are a distinctive and common bird along the Kaikoura Coast. They can be seen drying their wings on rocks or swimming around the inshore waters. Despite being almost an entirely coastal feeding species, pied shags nest inland at Kaikoura at Lake Rotorua. Pied shags are a social species and groups of birds can be seen resting on beaches, although they are generally a solitary species when feeding. Pied shags are a coastal species and rarely venture more than a kilometre or so offshore.

Little Shag - Kawaupaka

Only half the size of the two previously mentioned shag species. Polymorphic species having a total black colouration or white throated phase or pied phase. Each of the 3 phases looks like either a miniature pied or black shag, but the little shag is easily distinguished by its smaller size. Numbers have increased dramatically in recent years. A freshwater and coastal species, but rarely seen offshore. Found throughout New Zealand, Australia and Indonesia. Feeds on small bullies around rock pools.

Seen along the Kaikoura coastline throughout the year sitting on rocks or feeding in rocky shallows. Groups of up to 5 birds are sighted. Most colonies are in discrete inland locations with birds flying down to coastal areas to feed.

Spotted Shag - Parekareka

Unlike the last three species of shag the spotted shag is only a coastal species. Spotted shags are only found in New Zealand waters. Large colonies of thousands of birds breed on Banks Peninsula and smaller colonies are found in the Marlborough Sounds. Spotted shags nest on sheer rock faces. The adults develop elaborate crests when courtship is taking place. Spotted shags sometimes feed in large flocks.

Generally only small flocks of spotted shags are seen along the Kaikoura Coast. Occasionally flocks of hundreds of spotted shags are seen flying in impressive "V" formations along the Kaikoura Coastline and off the Kaikoura Peninsula on transit. A colony of spotted shags roosts on Barney’s Rock and a small colony roosts on rocks next to the New Wharf.